Work with local people on community development projects in the South Pacific

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Project Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

Make your home among white sandy beaches and sapphire blue waters in the Yasawa Island chain in the western region of Fiji whilst working alongside local people on a range of community projects. As a hands-on member of this expedition team you will assit several critical initiatives including fresh water management, education, environmental initiatives, sustainable fishing and sustainable agriculture practices.

Highlights Include:

Directly helping in the construction and installation of rainwater harvesting systems, helping to improve the lives of villagers, volunteer in local kindergartens and schools, interacting with villagers and making lifelong friends. On weekends or pre/post your volunteer work you can enjoy island hopping, stunning remote island locations, scuba diving, snorkelling, traditional ceremonies, idyllic traditional Fijian villages, white beaches, climbing volcanic mountains, enjoying breathtaking scenery, cave swimming, cultural immersion in the Fijian way of life, learning to speak Fijian.

The dramatic Yasawa landscape offers sweeping volcanic hillsides and beautiful crystal clear lagoons. In this picturesque environment you will set to work helping community members develop important infrastructure for future generations.

Scholarships

We are always looking for enthusiastic and dedicated people to join our team. This expedition offers qualifying and high-performing volunteers the chance to stay on the expedition for a longer duration on a GVI Scholarship free of charge and as part of the staff team in the field. If you would like to work towards a field career and make the very most of your time abroad, you might want to work towards a place on a GVI Scholarship. Successful scholars may find themselves offered full time employment with GVI, and many of our current staff have come through this route. Contact us for more information!

Please note, the awarding of scholarships is at the sole discretion of GVI and may be offered immediately after the completion of your program or at a later date.

Life on the Program

Our team rise bright and early for a team meeting after breakfast. You will review current projects and then head to your site with your team to start work.

Project work generally runs Monday to Friday with weekends providing time to relax and explore the local area.

Fiji's many charms provide a wealth of opportunity for the traveler, world class dive sites, tropical beaches, island hopping and snorkeling are some of the most popular ways for volunteers to take it all in. Fiji’s famous culture, warmth and hospitality will make every adventure a pleasure.

Project Details

The goals and priorities of this expedition are discussed and determined in collaboration with our local partner the Yasawa Trust Foundation.

One of our goals is to secure a fresh water supply for people in this region. This will be accomplished through construction projects and local education. Seasonal rainfall and a lack of natural reservoirs are responsible for drinking water shortages and we aim to implement and promote alternative water sources and income generation initiatives.

Secondly, the local council has specifically requested our assistance with English language teaching, maths, sports education and arts with the long term aim to assist in teacher education and training.

How this program makes a difference:

Many villages in the Yasawa Islands do not have access to a constant supply of fresh water and lack sustainable sources of income.

GVI volunteers directly with the Yasawa Trust Foundation by supplying volunteers to help with their initiatives.

Thus far, the Yasawa Trust has been successful building rainwater collection systems and in spreading education throughout the area.